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LIFE 



IN 



SOUTHERN PRISONS; 

FEOM THE DIARY OF 

CORPORAL CHARLES SMEDLEY, 

Of Company G, OOth Eegiment Penn'a Volunteeks, 



COMMENCING A FEW DAYS BEFORE THE "BATTLE OF THE 

WILDERNESS," IN WHICH HE WAS TAKEN PRISONER, IN 

THE EVENING OF FIFTH MONTH FIFTH, 1864 : 



ALSO, 

A SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE MARCH TO 
AND BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG, 

TOGETHER WITH A 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF THE AUTHOR. 



"If it is never to be my lot to return to you, rcmemLer me only as one who 
went to do his duty."— C . Smedley. Letter to parents, dated Sth mo. Uth, 1862. 



PUBLISHED BY 

THE LADIES' AND GENTLEMEN'S FULTON AID SOCIETY. 

PKARSOL & GEIST, PRINTERS, DAILY EXPRESS OFFICE. 
1865. 




^. 






, If 






April 7tli, 1865. At a regular meeting of the Fulton Aid So- 
ciety, "New Business" he'mg in order, tlie following resolutions 
were offered and unanimously adopted : 

Resolved, That the "Fulton Aid Society" request of the friends of 
the late Charles Smedley, that a copy of his diary, kept while a 
prisoner at Andersonyille, Georgia, be furnished for the purpose of 
publication. 

Besohed, That a Committee consisting of four members of the as- 
sociation be appointed to receive the manuscript, prepare it for pub- 
lication, and that it be authorized to have printed an edition of four 
hundred copies for the use of the Society. 

In conformity with the above resolutions, the following were ap- 
pointed the Committee: 

CHAS. H. STUBBS, M. D., Chairman. 
JAMES H. CLARK, 
ANNIE SMEDLEY, 
ELWOOD SMEDLEY. 



PREFACE. 



The following pages contain a plain, unvarnislied statement of 
facts tliat occurred under the notice of one who was so unfortunate 
as to be taken prisoner by those who sought to destroy and dissever 
our glorious country. As will be perceived, it is written with great 
care, hence its reliability. 

It was thought best to print the author's diary, just as it was re- 
ceived, without any amplification, save that absolutely necessary for 
the press. To the reader we will say that Dr. Buckley Avas one of 
our surgeons who fell into the hands of the Confederates. Corporal 
Wm. Griffith, of Company G, 90th Regiment P. V., was taken pris- 
oner along with Charles Smedley. He is spoken of as "Griffith." 

With these few explanations we ofier this little book to our citi- 
zens, feeling confident that it will be purchased and read by many 
of them. 

In purchasing this work you contribute your mite towards allevi- 
ating the condition of those whose sufferings are so well set forth 

in its pages. 

COMMITTEE ON PUBLICATION. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF CHAS. SMEDLEY. 



By Chas. H. Stubbs, M. D. 



Charles Smedlet, eldest son of Joel and Martha Smedley, 
was born in Fulton Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylva- 
nia, on the first day of November, 1836. Until his nineteenth 
year he remained at home, assisting his father in farming dur- 
ing the Summer seasons, and in the Winter attending the pub- 
lic school of the district. Having mastered the elementary 
branches usually taught in the district schools, and desiring to 
acquire a knowledge of the higher scientific studies, he entered 
as a student in the celebrated Friends' School at Westtown, on 
the seventh of May, 1855. While at this institution, he pur- 
sued the studies he had chosen with great diligence and suc- 
cess. By close application he attained an honorable standing 
in his class ; and his strict deportment merited the high ap- 
probation of his preceptors and the confidence of all his com- 
panions. 

On the eleventh of April, 1856, after spending nearly a year 
at Westtown, he returned home and again assisted his father in 
superintending the mills and managing the farm. This en- 
gaged his attention for the next two years. 

In the Spring of 1858 he concluded to commence business 
for himself. That of a merchant suggested itself; but feeling 
deficient in knowledge necessary to success if he engaged ia 
this business, he resolved to prepare himself by taking a mer- 
cantile course. With this object in view, on the fifth of May, 
1858, he entered the Lancaster County Normal School at 



6 LIFE IN SOUTHERN PRISONS. 

Millersville. While at Millersville he became an active an in- 
fluential member of the Page Society — a noted literary asso- 
ciation connected with the Normal School. 

Having remained one term at the Normal School, he return- 
ed to his native place in the Fall, and on the thirteenth of Oc- 
tober, 1858, entered into an agreement with his father to take 
the grist and saw mills ''on the shares." He continued to 
have charge of the mills for two year^and met with good suc- 
cess. During these two years he took an active interest in 
every movement that would have a tendency to improve the 
moral condition of society. 

Believing strongly in the influence to be exerted by exam- 
ple, he joined several associations, v/hose object was of a re- 
formatory character. Uniting himself with the Odd FelloAVS 
and Good Templars, he took an active part in the business of 
both of these orders. In these associations he was among the 
first to see that the rules were implicitly obeyed and kept in- 
violate. On one occasion a fellow member of the order of Odd 
Fellows was on trial for violating one of the sworn conditions 
on which he entered the lodge, by persisting in getting intox- 
icated whenever he felt disposed. The member who was most 
opposed to continuing this habitual drunkard in the lodge was 
Charles Smedley. In his little speech made in opposition, he 
boldly and fearlessly asserted that it was immaterial what po- 
sition the person on trial might occupy — by his late actions 
the accused had unfitted himself to be continued any longer in 
the association, and in his opinion should be expelled. 

In the Order of Good Templars Chas. Smedley attained the 
highest position in the Lodge of which he was a member. 
Trough his influence many other young men were induced to 
join and forever eschew that accursed evil which has led to the 
ruin of many noble youths and caused them to fill premature 
graves. 

On the twenty-first of April, 1862, he gave up his interest 



LIFE IN SOUTHERN PRISONS. t 

in the mills, having in contemplation a visit to some of the 
northern cities. After traveling several weeks in central New 
York, and spending a few days in the great Eastern Metropo- 
lis, yonng Smedley returned to Pennsylvania on the twenty- 
first of May. 

The great rebellion had now been in progress for a year. 
Throughout the sections of country visited by him, the young 
men of the North were rapidly volunteering for their country's 
defense. Thinking it was not right for him to travel now and 
spend his time, he came home with the determination of serv- 
ing his country in her hour of peril. 

Well knowing that the consent of his parents could not be 
obtained, (they being members of the Society of Friends, one 
of the most important tenets of which is " a testimony against 
war,") he bid them adieu and started for Philadelphia, where, 
on the 29th of May, 1862, he enlisted as a member of Company 
G, 90th Regiment Penna. Volunteers. 

For some the life of a soldier has its attractions. The sound 
of martial music, the gay uniform, the novelty of camp life, and 
the desire for fame — all contribute to allure many into the mil- 
itary service. None of these inducements had any weight with 
Charles Smedley. No one had a greater hatred of war; but 
like many others, he felt that this war was prosecuted on the 
part of the North for National existence, and as such differed 
from wars of aggression. Hence he thought it was his duty, 
as it was the duty of every man, to assist in putting down the 
rebellion. Maintaining these views, and from motives of the 
highest patriotism, Chas. Smedley joined the army "for three 
years or the war." 

In a letter written to the author of this sketch, soon after 
he enlisted, dated ''Front Royal, 6th mo. 16th, 1862," he 
says : ''After traveling through the different parts of the coun- 
try and witnessing the state of things caused by this rebellion, 
I, by degrees, made up my mind that the larger the force that 



8 LIFE IN SOUTHERN PRISONS. 

we could put in the field, the sooner would this rebellion be 
crushed, and it was the duty of every person, who could, to 
volunteer. Having no business to require my attention, that 
I liked, and believing that if ever I lent my aid in suppressing 
this rebellion, now was the time, hence ray present situation. 

In a letter dated ''6th mo. 19th, 1862," addressed to one 
of his relatives, in answer to the question, "how he liked sol- 
diering?" he replied: "If I were at home, perhaps I would 
find more pleasure ; but to take everything into consideration, 
it is every man's duty tO try and put down this rebellion. I 
did not expect to like a soldier's life when I left home, but can 
honestly say that I like it better than I expected to." 

From a letter written to his parents, dated " *rth mo. 4th, 
1862," we take the following beautiful and patriotic senti- 
ments .• " I am sorry to hear that you cannot help being un- 
easy about me. This regiment, as yet, has not been in any 
dangerous positions, and may not during the war. As far as 
myself is concerned, I have no fears and feel it my duty to go 
wherever the regiment is ordered. The question often comes 
into my mind, " have I done right ?" To this my conscience 
answers that I have, and must continue to do my duty. The 
longer I remain the more firmly I am impressed that I am do- 
ing nothing but my simple duty and all will come out right in 
the end. And being thus impressed I move along with alight 
heart and nothing to fear. To be frank, I put my trust in the 
Almighty ruler above, and believe whatever my fate shall be, 
will be in accordance with His will. I know that my course 
is very inconsistent with our discipline,* but I believe that at 
present I owe a higher duty to my country. I hope that it 
may be restored to us, more peaceful and prosperous than 
ever ; and if it is my fortune to get back safely home, I can 
congratulate myself upon having done my duty." 

♦Reference is here made to the Friends' discipline — he being a mem- 
ber by birthright, 



LIFE IN SOUTHERN PRISONS. 9 

From Philadelphia, after enlisting, Charles Smedley was 
sent to Washington, and from thence to Front Royal, a small 
town west of the Blue Ridge, where the 90th Regiment was 
then encamped. He joined it just previous to the advance of 
our forces sent to intercept '' Stonewall " Jackson, in his pro- 
gress down the Shenandoah Valley. He continued with the 
regiment, and was with it up to the time of the second battle 
of Bull Run. For more than a week previous to this engage- 
ment, he had made application to be sent to the hospital, be- 
ing weak and exhausted from disease. On the morning of the 
battle,* he declared he would not send in his application to be 
sent to the rear, because the impression might exist that he 
was trying to evade his duty in time of danger. By almost 
superhuman exertion he managed to go into the fight, but in 
the retreat of our forces, becoming fatigued and prostrated, he 
was compelled to remain in the rear, and the consequence was 
he fell into the hands of the enemy. 

In a few days he was paroled and forwarded to our lines, and 
then sent by the Federal authorities to Annapolis, Maryland. 
He arrived home on the 29th of October, 1862, and remained 
until the 18th of February, 1863, when he was regularly ex- 
changed. 

Joining the regiment a second time, he continued with it 
over thirteen months. While in the service he participated in 
the battles of Cedar Mountain, second Bull Run, Rappahan- 
nock Station, Chancellorsville, Thoroughfare Gap, Gettysburg, 
and the Wilderness. In all these battles young Smedley per- 
formed his duty nobly. In the first day's fight at Gettysburg 
he narrowly escaped with his life — a ball grazing him on the 
neck and another on the hip. In the second and third day's 
fights the 90th Regiment was engaged on the memorable Cem- 
etery ridge. After the defeat of the rebel hordes on the 

*I think it was the !J'9th of August, 1863, the second battle of Bull 
Run occured, and he was made prisoner. 



10 LIFE IN SOUTHERN PRISONS. 

heights of Gettysburg, our army followed the remainder of the 
enemy's forces to the banks of the Rapidan. While encamped 
on this stream, the subject of our sketch received the sad news 
of affliction among "the loved ones at home." His mother, 
brother and sister being dangerously ill — the two former dying 
soon afterwards. 

From a letter written to his sister on the reception of the 
sad intelligence, we copy the following : " It is a great trial to 
me to have to be separated from you when I think of the present 
state of things. Perhaps all is for the best, and we should not 
complain. We are but poor creatures and must submit to the 
Almighty Ruler who holds our fate in the "hollow of his 
hand." In the langaage of the christian, " why should we not 
put our trust in Him, and pray for Him to bring us out of all 
our trials and afflictions ?" Perhaps we have not been thank- 
ful enough for all the blessings we enjoy. Give my love to all 
my old friends. I often think of the many pleasant times we 
have had at home. I hope I may again have the pleasure of 
meeting you all there, and not say, as Byron, of home, 
• Fare thee "well, and if forever, 
Still, forever fare thee well.' " 

At the battle of the Wilderness, on the 5th of May, 1864, 
Charles Smedley was captured a second time, and, as we are 
informed in his diary, was taken by the Confederates to Gor- 
donsville, thence to Danville, from Danville to the prisoners' 
pen at Andersonville, Georgia, and lastly to Florence, South 
Carolina. At Andersonville he remained nearly four months 
in a stockade filled with thousands of Northern patriots. 
Here he suffered untold hardships, being exposed to the 
scorching rays of the sun, the cold atmosphere of the night, 
and to frequent storms of rain. The premeditated, gradual 
starvation process of his vile captors, together with the con- 
stant exposure to all kinds of weather, did its work effectually. 
His health at last became impaired and his physical constitu- 



LIFE IN SOUTHERN PRISONS. II 

tioii forever shattered. On the thirteenth of September, along 
with many others, he reached the town of Florence, where he 
was placed in another pen, in every respect similar to the one 
he had left at Andersonville. Here his sufferings increased. 
Being much reduced, and possessing hardly sufficient strength 
to assist himself, he was at last admitted into what was term- 
ed a hospital. In this hospital he lingered along for a few 
weeks, when his system gradually succumbed from the effects 
of hunger and exposure. 

During the night of the sixteenth of November, 1864, the 
spirit of Charles Smedley left its mortal tenement for other 
realms. His body was prepared for burial by a few of his fellow 
soldiers, and was interred in the burying ground a short distance 
north-northwest of the stockade, in Florence, South Carolina. 
In the person of Charles Smedley there were nicely blended 
many of the noblest traits of human character. As a religious 
and moral young man he had few equals. From his early 
youth he had a strong aversion to all those evil habits which 
have so often been the stepping stones to vice in its most hid- 
eous forms. Profanity and the use of that filthy narcotic weed, 
proved harmless as tempters to him. Still less powerful was 
that subtle enemy of mankind, which " quickeneth and giveth 
color to the cup, and stingeth like an adder."* 

In all his transactions his rule was to do that only which 
his conscience told him was right. His goodness of heart, his 
amiable disposition, gained him many friends, and wherever 
known, whether at home in his native township, or in the army 
of his country, none knew him other than the noble young man 
and soldier. 

~^a letter to his father, dated 8th mo. l«th, 1863, written while th* 
army was at Kappahannock Station, we find the following extract : 
-When I enlisted, I made a resolution that I, as long as I was in the 
service, would neither use profane language, smoke or chew tobacc*, 
or drink intoxicating liquors. This resolution I have strictly adhered 
to, and I believe I am a happier man for it." 



12 LIEE IN SOUTHERN PRISONS. 

To-day the remains of Charles Smedley, along with those of 
thousands of other patriotic martyrs, lie in the trenches near 
Florence. No marble pile or grass covered mound will, in all 
probability, ever mark his last resting place, but his name will 
be ever cherished and held in remembrance by his friends, as 
one who was willing to offer up his life that his country might 
live. 



DIA.RY. 



Isl day, 5th mo. 1st, 1864. Camp near Mitchell's Station, 
Ya. Had regimental inspection this morning at ten o'clock 
by Capt. W. Davis. The parade was formed, then moved to 
the rear into columns, and as we were critically inspected yes- 
terday, we were dismissed. I was busy the rest of the day 
helping Johnson to fix up the clothing books, and as the pay 
rolls were not right, we had to go to work and make out three 
more, leaving out ten deserters, which were taken up wrong 
on them at first. J. C. Kimball wrote one while Johnson and 
I wrote the others. Received my Baltimore American. 

2d day, 5th mo. 2d. Done nothing of any account all day. 
Was nice weather. 

Bd day, 5th mo. 3<i. This was a nice warm day. Each 
company was out at target practice one or two hours this af- 
ternoon. Each of us shot five rounds. Some talk of us 
moving. 

Uh day, 5th mo. Uh. We were told at nine last evening 
to have everything packed, as we we would likely have to move. 
Drew six days' rations of coffee, sugar and crackers and two 
days' rations of pork. We were called up at twelve o'clock 
last night, packed up, and by three o'clock were on the march. 
Marched towards Piney Mountain, where we arrived about 
sunrise, and made a short halt. We were in the rear of the 
first brigade. Marched past Stephensburg, thence crossed the 
Kapidan at twelve o'clock on a pontoon bridge. There were 
two bridges of canvas-covered boats at Germania ford. After 
stopping a short time, took up the march and followed the 



14 LIFE IN SOUTHERN PRISONS. 

plank road, and after going five or eight miles, halted and 
bivouacked for the night on a high hill near the right of the 
road. The day was very warm after the sun rose. We were 
forced as fast as it was possible for us to go — stragglers fell 
out by hundreds — no brigade or regiment seemed to be to- 
gether in the after part of the day. I had to fall out, and 
threw away my mess kettle, some of my clothes, pork, and sev- 
eral other things, and then could no more than keep up.. 
Halted with the little part of the regiment, took a good bath, 
and made supper of bread, pork and coffee. We seemed to be 
in the rear and with the General's headquarters. Went to bed 
on the ground about 8 P. M. 

5//i day, bth mo. 5lh. Five o'clock A. M. Slept well last 
night. Were called up at three this morning, got our break- 
fasts and made ready to move. Are now awaiting orders. 
The birds are playing around us and the day promises to be a 
pleasant one. Seven A. M. Have moved out and halted to 
the right of the road — are six miles from Mine Kun and fifteen 
from Fredericksburg. Gen'l Warren's headquarters are near 

us. We appear to be pretty well in the rear. Col. 

commands the first brigade. Have not heard of any rebels yet 
in front. Gen'l Burnside is said to be in the rear guarding 
fifteen hundred wagons. The sun is coming out hot — the 
weather clear and sultry. Twelve M. Have been laying down 
since six o'clock. The Sixth Corps has passed down the plank 
road to take position on our left. Heard some heavy musket- 
ry firing towards our left. It is said to be all cavalry fighting. 
From what I know we are in the reserve. Gen'l Robinson's 
headquarters are within a hundred yards of us. There is also 
a signal station near the headquarters. This is near the Wil- 
derness tavern. There is a house on the hill near here where 
" Stonewall " Jackson was taken after he was wounded at 
Chancellorsville. The sun is burning hot. 

6th day, bih mo. Qth. Nine o'clock A. M. At one o'clock 



LIFE IN SOUTHERN PRISONS. 15 

yesterday we advanced as a forward guard centre, we being 
the third regiment in line from the position we occupied at 12 
M. Kept on through woods for a half mile, then the other 
regiment halted and deployed, and helped us on the second 
line, with our right resting on the turnpike. The front line 
was busily engaged as we advanced — the bullets flew thick and 
fast around us, mostly high. About two o'clock we advanced 
the second time, about two hundred yards, and lay down un- 
der a heavy fire where we remained until six o'clock. All the 
time we lay under a fire from the rebels, who were less than a 
quarter of a mile off. They had a battery on the left of the 
pike which occasionally threw shells and solid shot in good 
range over us, cutting off the limbs of the trees ; only a few 
were low enough to come near us. One solid shot lit in the 
centre of our company, and plowed the ground up under 
Audenreid's feet, bursting his canteen and throwing the dirt 
over the men around him, without doing any more damage. 
At six o'clock P. M., an officer, I do not know who, came up 
and gave us the order to ''advance with the 39th Massachu- 
setts." After the order was repeated twice, we started, going 
over dead and wounded who had been slaughtered by hun- 
dreds, and lay thick on the ground we went over. The rebels 
did not fire a shot until after we got out into the open plain, 
and then they opened with grape and canister and volleys of 
musketry. After going to the bottom of the hill and up half- 
way towards the enemy's battery, the Colonel gave the order 
to "about face." I had stopped to cap my piece, and before 
I got it done the regiment was going back on a double-quick. 
I followed in the rear, and coming to a ditch, fell into it, and 
on looking up saw our fellows going up the hill towards our 
line. The bullets flew so thick that I thought it next thing to 
getting shot to get out of the ditch, and after a few moments 
concluded I had better stay where I was until after dark, and 
then get up the hill into our lines. I soon noticed that the 



16 LIFE IN SOUTHERN PRISONS. 

ditch was fnll of men. After hallooing to those above and be- 
low me, I found that Griffith, Edwards and Fry of our compa- 
ny, and one of company B's men were near us. We all thought 
we had better stay where we were until after dark. I went to 
Edwards and there found a man who told us to lay still and he 
would take us off after a while. Edwards asked him who he 
was. He said he was a Confederate officer. On looking up 
the ditch, which was deep above us, T saw some of the enemy's 
sharp shooters and skirmishers, and it was plain to be seen 
that we were in their power. The officer ordered us to disarm 
ourselves and ^it would be all right. We were taken about 
half-past seven o'clock into the Confederate lines, to the pike, 
then to the rear for about half a mile and kept under guard. 
As we were going off I found Sergeant M., of company — ; 
picked him up and took him with us. He had been knocked 
down but was not hurt. Sergeant Riley I also picked up. I 
told him how we were situated. Griffith gave him a canteen 
of water, and then we were ordered to come on. He was try- 
ing to play it, I thought. I am certain half our regiment was 
lost. Griffith and I went to work and made some coffee in a 
pot that I picked up in the morning. About nine P. M., 
twelve of our company and some more of the 90th were brought 
in. Everything, while I was awake, was quiet. Griffith and 
I made a bed and slept together. I did not get to sleep un- 
til after twelve o'clock. At day-break this morning I was 
awakened by artillery firing. I got up and went to the creek, 
got a pot of water and made some coffee, and then awakened 
Griffith and we took our breakfast. At six A. M. we were 
ordered to fall in ; we got our things, and were marched to 
Robertson's Tavern, where we are at present. From seven to 
half-past eight there was some very sharp musketry up the 
pike. The guards are busy trading with the boys ; there are 
about fifty of us here. Ten A. M. All seems to be quiet 
in front. Night — Lay under guard all day ; heard no fight- 



LIFE IN SOUTHERN PRISONS. It 

ing of any account to-day. Things appear to be quiet in front. 
The ambulances brought in a great many wounded men all 
day. 

1th day, 5th mo, 1th, Were marched, some two hundred 
and seventy of us, to Orange Court House, then put aboard 
the cars and taken to Gordon sville. 

1st day, bth mo. Sth. Kept here all day. Where we were last 
night we drew one day's rations of corn meal, beef and salt. I 
was commissary for a squad of twenty-five men. Sent a letter 
home. The sun was burning hot. 

2d day, bth mo. Wi. We were put into a house forty by 
fifty feet square last night and came near smothering. We 
were taken out this morning. Made mush for breakfast. Had 
to stay out in the sun all day. Part of us were sent to Lynch- 
burg yesterday — some m«re came last night. Griffith and I 
laid down after supper to rest for the night. Drew one ration 
of corn meal and herring — three of the latter to each man. 

3d! day, 5th mo., lOih. Soon after we got to bed last night 
we were ordered to pack up. Left Gordonsville in a train of 
cars at eleven o'clock at night, and after a hard night's travel 
got to this place (Lynchburg) about ten this morning. Were 
put in a deep ravine with a stream of water running through 
it. A heavy guard of citizens, consisting of old men, ''played 
out" soldiers, and boys were around us. Two pieces of artil- 
lery are planted in range of us. I was with the first one hun- 
dred of our squad that came in to-day. We were put in charge 
of a Sergeant-Major, who drew rations for us. There was 
about one thousand came here yesterday. I got seven " hard 
tack" and some bacon for one day's rations. There are about 
2500 of us here. To-day was burning hot. 

Uh day, 5th mo. llth. Had a good sleep last night. This 
was a very warm day. There were seventy-five loaves of soft rye 
bread, half a peck of rice, and a little salt issued to a squad to- 
day. There were one thousand men sent away to-day. 



1'8 LIFE IN SOUTHERN PRISONS. 

5ih day, blh mo. 12th. It commenced to rain about nine 
o'clock last night. Griffith and I had a rough night of it- 
had to sit up a good part of the time, till the after-part of the 
night, when we laid down under the woollen blanket. About 
daylight it commenced to rain rapidly. The water ran on us 
and caused us to get up and sit with the gum blanket over our 
shoulders. It rained pretty much all day ; we had to sit most 
of the time with the gum blanket over us. With hard work 
we made some coffee for breakfast and some mush for supper. 
Carried some flat stones to lay on to-night. Drew seventy- 
five loaves of bread for the balance of yesterday's rations ; also 
for to-day, six 'Miard tack," pork and rice, to a man, for two 
days' rations. 

Gth daij, 5th mo. ISth. Had a rough night of it. Slept 
under our woollen blankets until daylight. It rained a great 
deal all night— got considerably wet. Showery all day. 
About ten o'clock A. M. we were moved out of the ravine to 
the cars and got aboard at twelve, and were off for Danville. 
AVc were stowed as closely as possible in burden cars. Passed 
through Fairville before dark. There are rebel hospitals at 
this place. 

1th daij, 5th mo. Uth. Traveling all night and until ten 
o'clock this forenoon, when wc arrived at Danville. Here we 
were put into large houses. The house I am in is one hundred 
by forty-seven feet, three stories high. The two «pper stories 
are only occupied by us, some five hundred in number. Here we 
were divided into messes of twenty each, and drawing two square 
inches of boiled bacon and a loaf of corn bread for two men. 

1st day, 5th mo. 15th. Had roll-call at nine A. M. and 
were counted. Drew corn bread at ten o'clock and rice soup 
at four P. M., and soon after boiled bacon. Got a pint of 
soup to a man. Can do nothing but lay down, or walk, or 
stand, after going to wash. There are five hundred in this 
building. We hear no news. 



LIFE IN SOUTHERN PRISONS. 19 

2d day, Uh mo. UtJi. Spent the day as yesterday. Drew 
some of our hard bread, Confederate bacon and rice soup. 
There was a fellow selling toilet soap at the rate of one dollar 
and fifty cents Confederate scrip, or two cakes for a one dollar 
greenback. 

Sd day, bth mo. IVh. Lay about all day. In the morn- 
ing darned the toe of one of my stockings and mended my . 
pantaloons. Sent a letter home to father. We are to be 
sent to Georgia to-morrow. Drew a day's rations for to-day 
of corn bread, boiled bacon and black bean soup at three 
o'clock. At six drew a ration of corn bread and boiled bacon 
for to-morrow. 

ith day, bill mo. lUh. Got up at daybreak, left the prison 
at six, got on the cars at half-past eight and started at nine. 
At twelve came as far as the railroad was finished, (the Dan- 
ville and Greensboro' road) then had to march six miles to 
where it commenced again, and then lay for an hour for three 
trains to come. After they arrived it took until long after 
dark to load them. I was among the last to get aboard. 

m day, bth mo. mh. Had a bad time of it last night- 
could not sit or stand with comfort. The rain came through 
the car so bad that I had to get out my " gum." We had only 
thirteen miles to go, and it was near daylight before we got to 
Greensborough, which was about six in the morning. Here we 
stopped about two hours, then went on, bound for Char- 
lotte North Carolina, where we arrived at half-past six. The 
train went very slow all night, but after we left Greensborough, 
' very fast. The country along the road was very, very poor. 
The only places of much note were High Point Station, 
Thomasville and Lexington. Greensborough is a manufac 
turing town, but like in all other towns and villages, business 
was at a stand still. Thomasville was the prettiest place. 
There is a seminary there. Some ladies came out to the train 
and threw two ginger cakes at us, also some bouquets. Crossed 



20 LIFE IN SOUTHERN PRISONS. 

the Yadkin River. After we got to Charlotte, were taken off ' 
the cars and marched to the railroad crossing. Drew rations 
of crackers and pork ; I got six crackers and a chunk of pork 
for two days. A thunder-gust came up which continued until 
ten o'clock. Griffith and I made out to kindle a little fire and 
make a pot of coffee. X was taken with a chill and fever of a 
bilious nature—can eat no supper. By eleven o'clock it clear- 
ed up and the moon shone out. Made our bed on the ground 
and were soon asleep. 

m day, bth mo. 20th, Slept well last night, and got up 
at 6 o'clock A. M.; felt very bad and very bilious ; got some 
hot water to make coffee, but could not find the coffee. The 
sun came out bright and hot this morning. At twelve M. 
were put aboard the cars. The cars moved past the town, 
backed, and moved forward and back, &c., until about six 
o'clock, when we were backed to the southeast end of the town. 
Each car load was taken off in separate squads of nineteen or 
twenty— drew rations for one day, three hard tack and a chunk 
of pork. I. was sick all day with the chills and fever— no ap- 
petite ; ate some souse, well peppered, but had to force it 
down. The day was very hot. 

Ifh day, blh mo. 21s/. Slept well last night on the ground. 
The moon was full and the sky clear. We were ordered to 
pack up about six o'clock, and get on the same cars we got 
off. Griffith and I were so lucky as to get our old places in 
the stock cars ; rode all day, and arrived at Columbia, South 
Carolina at sunset. After stopping there over an hour, we 
changed cars. We got larger cars but less of them. They 
crowded seventy-five men inside and on top, which nearly 
smothered us. The guard had orders not to let a man out, 
and to shoot the first person that attempted it. Our car is a 
close burden car, which was closed all around except one door. 
I was so lucky as to get near the door and have plenty of fresh 
air. By doubling up, made out to lie down, with my head 



LIFE IN SOUTHERN PRISONS. 21 

next the door. This was a warm day, but we, being in such 
a good car, rode comfortably. The country for two days' 
journey was poorer than any yet passed. Did not see much 
of Columbia. I felt very well all day ; my disease is better. 
Took two doses of "composition" in cold water. 

1st day, 6ih mo. 22(Z. I made out with difficulty to lay on 
my back all night. The guard, "the first half," sat on my 
head, and then laid down with his head on my breast for a pil- 
low—could not sleep. My feet and legs were doubled up, 
and I was laying on them part of the time, while others piled 
theirs on top of mine. This morning got a good seat by the 
door ; rode there until we stopped at Augusta. Changed 
cars at this place at 12 o'clock M. Did not pass any place of 
importance after Charlotte. Stopped at dusk and had a loaf 
of bread and a chunk of pork issued to us. I had been 
rather bad with the diarrhoea— was very weak and dizzy, with 
no appetite; but after drawing rations, felt like eating, 
and ate a bit of bread and pork ; the bread is rye. When 
we changed cars I got a seat in the middle of the door. 
My door was shut at dark, so I had to set with my back 
against it. 

2d day, bth mo, 23^. Did not sleep much in the night, had 
to sit all the time. There were sixty-five men inside the box 
and some on top. At daylight the door was opened. I then 
rode with my legs out. Get to Marion about the middle of 
the day. Three trains were made of two, and we went at the 
rate of twenty-five miles an hour. Arrived at Anderson ville, 
Georgia, at five o'clock P. M., when we were taken off the 
cars, counted off into squads with a sergeant, who took our 
names on a piece of paper which a rebel officer gave him. 
Then we were ordered into a large stockade and halted in the 
northeast corner of it. There we had the ground for our quar- 
ters. We concluded that it was hard to move about. 
Made our bed on the ground. Weather clear and hot. Yes- 



22 LirE IK SOUTHERN PRISONS. 

terday passed Wanesville. To-day passed Fort Valley after 
leaving Marion. 
^ Sd day, 5th quo. 2ith. Slept very well on the ground last 
night ; arose at daylight, went to the run and took a good 
wash. Had roll-call and were counted by a rebel sergeant, 
whose name is warmer. There were ninety men in our mess. 
Drew rations at 5 o'clock P. M. Half a loaf of corn bread 
and half a square inch of bacon to each man. The bacon is 
excellent. There were three or four hundred more men put in 
here to-day. The place was too much crowded before. They 
brought them in on the main street and told them to go and 
find places wherever they could, Griffith and I having but 
fifteen cents in money, and that being mine, we are bad ofi". 
Bought two split pieces of pine, six feet long and two and a 
half inches square, to put up a shelter. These I purchased 
for my fifteen cents. These not being enough, I traded my 
looking glass for two more. Put up my woollen blanket over 
our ridge pole and now have a good place to stay in. This 
place contains about fifteen or twenty acres of ground, enclos- 
ed v/ith a stockade twenty feet high, with a sentry stand every 
one hundred and fifty feet. There is a stream of water run- 
ning through it with a hill extending up from each side of it. 
For thirty or more yards from the run the ground is swampy 
and has a bad smell coming from it. 

Uh day, bth mo. 2m. Spent this day about the same as 
yesterday, laying in our tent, &c., &c. Drew the same kind 
of rations. More prisoners were put in to-day. 

-bth day, bth mo. 26th. This was a very hot day. There 
are men here just like skeletons, they are so far gone with the 
chronic diarrhoea. The boys caught some of the raiders and 
punished them by shaving their heads. There are plenty of 
"sweat" boards in operation, and other kinds of gaming. 
Drew a loaf of corn bread, two-thirds of a pint of mush, and 
four square inches of bacon for two of ng. The cornmeal is 



LIFE IN SOUTHERN PRISONS. 23 

of the roughest description, not being sifted. Went to the 
run this mOrning and washed a pair of drawers and a shirt, 
and then took a bath myself. 

m dmj, 6t7i mo. 21th, Spent this day like yesterday, doing 
nothing. Drew a loaf of corn bread, three bits of meat, and 
nearly a pint of boiled rice. The pork to-day was all boiled 
jowls. The sun was scorching hot. Sent a few lines home 
to father. 

1th day, 5th mo. 2Sth. Was a very warm day. One hun- 
dred and eighty more prisoners were put in here to-day from 
Sherman's army, making in all sixteen thousand six hundred 
and fifty (16,650). There are sixty-one detachments of two 
hundred and seventy each, not including what came to-day. 
Drew the usual quantity of corn bread, bacon and mush to a 
man. 

1st day, Uh mo. 29^7i. Was extremely warm. Lay in the 
house* most of the time. There were about fifteen hundred 
more men put in here to-day. Did not draw rations until sun- 
down, when we got pork and corn bread. 

2fZ day, bth mo. BOth. This day is very oppressive. More 
prisoners came in to-day. 

dd daij/6ih mo. Slst. Weather as hot as ever. Was at 
the stockade where the rebels throw over their produce. 
Greenbacks are worth twice as much as "scrip." Peas, 
beans, tobacco, onions, turnips, eggs, cakes, groundnuts, &c., 
&c., are passed over in large quantities and sold at enormous 
prices. My disease seems worse and I am getting weak. 

m day, m mo. Ist. Was cloudy until the middle of the 
day, then had a heavy thunder-storm, and a little rain now and 
then until evening. I lay in the house most of the day— was 
very weak. We made some burnt corn bread crust coffee this 
morning. There were about four hundred more prisoners put 
in here to-day ; none of them from the Potomac Army. 
""^hS Httlo t§nt as described under dafe of «'ad day, 5th mo- S4th." 



24 LIFE IN SOUTHERN PRISONS. 

Uh day, eth mo, 2d. This was the same kind of a day as 
yesterday, with more rain. Borrowed the " Banner of Light" 
from Dr. Buckley this afternoon. 

eth day, m mo. Sd. Was cloudy until towards sundown, 
when there came up a heavy wind, followed by rain. The day 
was very warm. More prisoners put in to-day, mostly sick 
and wounded, captured when we were. The place is getting 
crowded full. Diarrhoea no better. 

ItJi day, m mo. Uh. Had a good deal of rain. I lay in 
the house. Two hundred more men came in to-day. There 
were a great many rumors about us being paroled or exchang-- 
ed on the sixth. We split up the last of our wood with a 
musket screw-driver, and traded some corn bread for another 
stick. 

1st day, Uh mo. 5(h. Had a great deal of rain. Drew one 
and a half pints of corn meal and a half teaspoonful of salt in- 
stead of bread. 

2d day, Wi mo. Gih. I am very weak. Same rations as 
yesterday. Cloudy all day with some rain. Made souse of the 
last of our crackers. More prisoners put in to-day— the place 
is over crowded. 

Sd day, 6th mo. 1th. Had considerable rain. Made a pot 
of mush which we ate with our meat to-day. About five hun- 
dred more prisoners were put in to-day. 

4th day, Qth mo. 8th. Rain to-day, same as yesterday. A 
few more prisoners put in here. I undertook to make a pot of 
mush this morning ; got it about done, when the jaw bone of 
a hog, which I had the pot resting on, gave way, and upset 
the half of it. We made a small breakfast on the remainder. 
This evening we mixed up some meal and baked some cakes on 
my plate. Our wood is nearly out. We get corn meal and 
pork, but are not allowed to go out for wood, and as yet have 
had none sent to us. My complaint gets no worse, but still 
sticks to me. Can get no news that can be relied upon. 



LIFE IN SOUTHERN PRISONS. 25 

5(71 day, Uh mo. m. Drew corn bread and had a heavy 

shower. ^ , , 

m day, m mo. lOlh. Was rather warm. Drew bread, 
meat and wood. Made coEfoe for breakfast and supper. Com- 
menced making a bone ring. . , ,^ ■, . ,-„ 
llh day, Uh mo. ll(h. Was warm, with a thunder-gust in 
the evening. We got to work and finished the bone ring. 

1st day, Uh mo. nth. Cloudy, rain in the afte™oo"- I 
am as unwell as ever. Received corn bread and pork. There 
are many rumors of us being paroled and sent to Savannah. 
The news is that the officers at Macon are being sent away. 

U day, m mo. mh. Was very damp ^nd cold with 
showers of rain ; last night it was also raining^ '^"®*^°* 
sick yesterday and was very ill all last night and to-day Had 
roll-call. All the sick and wounded were taken out for medi- 
cal treatment. All the rumors about the parole proved un- 
true. Have suffered very much with the chronic diarrhaa, 

which gets no better. , , . , j 

3d day, m mo. Ulh. This was a cold, dmzly day^ 
i(h day 6th mo. 15th. Took down our blanket and had t 
for a cover It rained all night, and until towards the middle 
of the day when it became much warmer. There were over 
[Le hundred more prisoners put in to-day fjom t «f ™y ^f 
the Potomac. Sold a loaf of bread and meat f"'; twenty five 
cents and bought an onion and made some soup with it. Had 
CO meal and'pork for supper. Griifith is a little beUer^ A 
old shoemaker, who had taken tl^« °^* °f ^"^S'ance *o the 
confederate States, came in to-day to try toj-e -e th u 
sand shoemakers, to go out and do as he ^-l^^^J'^J^^Z 
rebel government. Some of the boys caught h.m, shaved 
liead and marched him around camp. 

5,. day, m mo. Utk. There is as -c^ aiuj us„ ■ A- 
gettin.' along in the same old style. Sold a loaf of bread tor 
Itencentsandboughtanonion. Drew boiled rice and meat. 



LIFE IN SOUTHERN PRISONS. 



The rice is so dirty and gritty that it is not fit to eat About 
one thousand more men were put in to-day, mostly from the 
Army of the Potomac. 

m day, m mo, 11th. Rained all day—lay in the house 
most of the time. I made some thick corn meal soup for sup- 
per. One thousand more prisoners put in to-day. 

lih day, Qih mo, 18th. It rained all night and was showery 
most of the day. My disease is some better— am very weak 
and losing flesh. The number of petty hucksters seems 
to increase in the main street. Cucumbers are from 37 to 
60 cents; onions from 25 cents to $1.00; turnips from 12 
to 20 cents; rutabagas, same price as turnips; squashes 
25 to 50 cents; peanuts from 20 to 25 cents per half pint; 
beans 20 to 50 cents per half pint; flour at the rate of 
$1 per pound ; four ginger cakes T5 cents to $1 ; rice 30 to 
40 cents per pint ; salt 75 cents per quart ; soda 25 cents per 
spoonful ; rations of meal for 20 and 25 cents ; molasses, of 
the poorest quality, for $2.75 per quart ; tobacco, 50 cents for 
a small plug. These are off'ered for sale on the main street at 
the above prices. A good many have got to making corn 
beer, at 10 to 25 cents per drink of half a pint. There are ru- 
mors that General Winder is here, and that three detachments 
and all the sick are to be sent away to-morrow. 

1st day, 6th mo. 1 m. Was up early this morning and went 
to the spring and got some good water, and washed myself. 
Took a walk up and down the street,* and then lay down and 
took a good sleep. It was cloudy most of the time. The sun 
came out hot occasionally. Had a heavy shower in the even- 
ing. Five hundred more men were put in the stockade to-day. 
Three men were shot and wounded by one of the guards. A 
man^ was on the dead line; the guard shot at this one, and 
missing him, shot the others. 

*The term street must be applied to the road in the centre of the 
stockade. It cannot possibly be a street in the town. 



LIFE IN SOUTHERN PRISONS. 2t 

2d day, Qih mo. 2Qih. Had the usual quantity of rain ; 
was up early and got some spring water. 

Sd day, (jth mo. 21st. Was very warm and cloudy. I made 
some coffee and fried some meat on my plate for breakfast — 
had some gravy also. We did not eat more than half the ex- 
tra bread we drew last night, and had half a loaf left, which I 
traded for some wood. A few more prisoners were put in to- 
day. The place is so crowded that it is impossible to travel 
without difficulty. 

4tih day, Glh mo. 22d. Was rather cloudy and warm. 
Drew mush and meat; the mush, like it always has been, was 
only half cooked ; we did not get it until dark, and then went 
to work and baked it on my plate. To-day one hundred men 
had to fill up a tunnel which they had dug. It was eight to 
fifteen feet deep and commenced twenty yards inside, and run 
more than the same distance on the outside, and was ready for 
them to go out. Some of the crowd had informed on them. 

5^/i day, Uh mo. 2Zd. Flying clouds and very hot. There 
seems to be a good breeze going, but it cannot get to us here. 
Over seven hundred more prisoners were crowded in to-day. 
Drew corn bread and bacon, and would have drawn fresh beef, 
but some objected to it on account of not having wood. 

6^/i day, Uh mo. 24:th. The weather was similar to yester- 
'day, only hotter. Done nothing of any account. 

1th day, Qth mo. 2bth. Yery warm. Drew mush and meat 
at dark and fried the mush into cakes. 

1st day, Uh mo. 2Qth. The weather like yesterday. Drew 
the same kind of rations, and fried the mush, because it is never 
more than half done. 

2d day, Uh mo. 21th. The weather seems to be getting 
warmer. My diarrhoea gets no better — am so weak that I 
can hardly walk about. There has been enough prisoners put 
in the last few days to make nearly twenty-five thousand. 
(25,000). 



28 tiIi*E IN SOUTHERN PRISONS. 

3^ day, Qth mo. 2Sth. Had a fine shower this afternoon and 
night. I am very low and weak with the diarrhoea. 

4ih day, Qth mo. 29th. Was very warm, had a thunder 
storm in the evening. Am weaker than ever and can hardly 
get along. Did not get any rations, because some of the men 
took the "raiders "* in hand, and after knocking down, and I 
guess killed some, arrested sixty and gave them over to the 
old captain. It is said he shot one. Last night they killed 
a man, and an Indian killed one of them. I took two bacon 
rinds, and after roasting them by the fire, ate them. 

6th day, Gth mo. 29/7^. Was very warm ; lay in the tent 
most of the time ; so weak with the chronic diarrhoea that it 
was as, much as I could do to take care of myself 

(ith day, ^th mo. Ist. Was as hot as ever. I sufi'ered as 
much as yesterday ; am weaker, and still very ill ; my head is 
so dizzy ; could hardly walk. The new stockade was opened 
this forenoon, and all above the forty-ninth detachment were 
moved in and crowded as close together as we were before. 
All of us could not put up our shelters in the place allotted to 
us. Griffith and I made our bed in the street, which is only six 
feet wide. The new place is on good high ground with plenty 
of wOod. The rumor is that we are to draw raw rations ; 
drew fresh beef and corn meal, of which I ate heartily. 

V^i day, \th mo. 2d, There was a good breeze all day. 
After I got up, went to the creek and took a wash, got a can- 
teen and coffee pot full of water, and then a little wood. Made 
the same kind of breakfast as we did supper last night. About 
eight o'clock moved down with Clark and Strong, and then 
crowded nearer the old stockade and towards the lower end 
of the detachment, and put up our blanket at the end of 
Strong's tent. All the wood is gathered up by the men, which 



*By the term "raiders," the writer designates a set of thieves and 
cut-throats among the prisoners, who made a practice of robbing newly 
arrived Union soldiers. 



LIFE IN SOUTHERN PRISONS. 29 

leaves us with scarcely any. There have been prisoners put 
in here from all parts this week. Twenty-five thousand is a 
low estimate. I feel stouter to-day than I have for two weeks ; 
my complaint hardly troubles me. Drew salt for yesterday 
and meal, beef and salt for to-day. The rumor now is that we 
will be paroled or exchanged soon, to commence on the seventh, 
&c., &c. Captain Moore, of the 12d Ohio, was in here to-day 
and gave this piece of news to us. He has been a prisoner at 
Macon, was lately exchanged, and came here to see some of the 
boys of his regiment. 

1st day, 1th mo. ^d. Griffith and I went to the creek to 
wash this morning at five o'clock. The creek was dirty and 
full of black mud, so much so that I would not go in. I took 
the coffee pot and washed out of it. Got some water and pre- 
pared breakfast of beef soup, thickened with corn meal . Had 
roll-call this forenoon, the first time for three weeks ; it was 
difficult to get the men together, and was eleven o'clock before 
they got through. Drew no rations to-day, why I know not. 
2d day, 1th mo. ith. Was very hot until three o'clock P. 
M when we had a heavy thunder storm. Our house let the 
rain in almost like a riddle. The numbers of the detachments 
were changed to-day ; all tliat were not full were filled up to 
two hundred and seventy; our detachment is now number 
thirtv-two, and my mess is the second mess. We got no ra- 
tions until this evening, when we received meal, boiled and raw 
beef and pork. Bread and salt were issued ; we got raw beet 
and miserable bread, with a pinch of salt. We made a pot of 
mush for our breakfast, coffee and stewed meat for supper ; we 
eat only twice a day. My disease has left me and I am stouter 
Was down to the creek this morning at four o'clock and took 

a good wash. , 

3d day, Ith mo. blh. To-day was very hot, with a gooa 
breeze and flying clouds. Got up this morning at four o clock 
and went to the run and washed my grey shirt and a pair of 



30 



LIFE IN SOUTHERN PRISONS. 



drawers, without soap. We made a pot of soup with corn meal 
dumplings. Had roll-call at ten o'clock. Drew meal, fresh 
beef and a pinch of salt. Made flap-jacks for supper, and 
fried some of our beef on mj plate. Traded some corn meal 
for a piece of pork to grease the plate with. 

Uh day, nth mo. Uh. Hot as ever. Over two hundred 
more men put in to-day. According to rumor, to-morrow is 
the day to commence paroling. A new rumor says seven thou- 
sand are to be taken out to morrow. Got breakfast of soup 
off our beef, with corn meal dumplings, and supper of flap- 
jacks and fried pork. Drew mush, bacon and salt. / am 
very well indeed. 

m day, nth mo. 1th. Spent the day as yesterday No 
signs of paroling. Yery hot to-day. Fred. Smith, who was 
taken prisoner at Mine Run, came to 'see me to-day. Drew 
rotton bacon, corn meal and salt. 

Gih day, Ith mo. Sth. The heat in the afternoon was al- 
most scorching. I borrowed a book of Hatfield, which I read 
half through. This is the first reading I have done since we 
have been here. There were one hundred more men put in to- 
day, all of whom were captured at the James and Morris 
Island. 

1th day, 1th mo. Wi. This day was hotter than any day 
we have had. At four o'clock P. M. had a heavy thunder- 
shower which lasted until sunset. Spent the day in reading 
sleeping, and walking about camp. Two hundred and fifty 
more prisoners put in to-day. They were mostly from the Po- 
tomac Army. 

1st day, llh mo. mh. Drew rations as usual, consistino- of 
meal, pork and salt. Cooked flapjacks and made gravy for 
supper. Our wood is almost out and I know not where the 
rest will come from; there is plenty in the place, but it is 
claimed by others. There were six hundred more prisoners 
put m to-day from Grant's army. 



LIFE IN SOUTHERN PRISONS. 31 

2d day, 1th mo. llth. Hot, with a little shower in the af- 
ternoon. Drew meal, salt and bacon. I had a hard time 
cooking cakes for breakfast and mush for supper; the wood and 
roots were too wet. Six of the " raiders " were hung, inside 
the stockade, by our own men, at five o'clock this evening. 
The rope of Moseby broke when the drop fell, and let him to 
the ground ; they made him mount the scaffold and try it the 
second time. One broke loose before he mounted the scaffold 
and ran through the crowd, but was arrested. I was down 
helping to draw rations and saw the execution. A large num- 
ber of prisoners put in to-day. 

3d day, 1th mo. Uth. Was busy most of the day getting 
wood out of the run, but could not get much. We are out of 
wood. I made a small furnace to put my plate on. Was 
running about a good deal— am as well as I could wish to be. 
There were two hundred more men put in to-day. I was de- 
termined to get an axe to cut some wood, but did not quite 
get it. I got on the right side of a rebel sergeant, who is a 
mason, but he could do no more than ask for me of the one 
who had charge of the shovels and axes. 

Uh day, 1th mo, Uth. Very warm. Could get no axe to- 
day but got the promise of one in the morning. Our furnace 
works first rate. We gathered some roots out of the run, and 
both of us went down to-night and worked and fished for roots 
until after ten o'clock. Have got the floor of our tent raised 
so that the water will not flood us. 

Uh day, 1th mo. lUh. Yery hot day. I was up early this 
morning and down at the run and spring. Got a pot of mush 
made before roll-call. Got the axe for an hour; we cut 
enough good pitch pine off a large stump to last us nearly 
three weeks. Could do little else but lay in the tent after 
cutting the wood, I was so tired. The diarrhoea shows signs 
of coming on me again. General Winder had the three ser- 
geants of each detachment taken out, and he told them that he 



32 LIFE IN SOUTHERN PRISONS. 

knew of an organized gang of six thousand who were going to 
get out, &c., and that the men must not get in crowds within 
one hundred yards of the gate, or he would fire on them with 
shot and shell ; that they had tried to get us exchanged, but 
could not, and were compelled to keep us ; and that they had 
plenty to keep us with. I noticed plenty of good-looking pies 
in market for one dollar and fifty cents, watermelons for two 
and three dollars, and apples for twenty-five and thirty-five 
cents each. 

Uh day, ^th mo. 15th. Suffered very much with the diar- 
rhoea, which has come back on me as bad as ever. 

1th day, 1th mo. lUh. The weather continues to grow 
hotter. I am some better to-day ; made gruel by soaking corn 
meal and boiling the water of it. Yesterday drew a ration of 
wood which was only half enough to cook a meal. 

1st daij, 1th mo. 11th, The hottest day we have had. I 
lay in the tent, very weak from the diarrhoea, which is getting 
better. Made some corn meal gruel for my breakfast. Drew 
meat, salt and molasses, six spoonsful of the latter as a ration. 
Had flapjacks for supper. 

2d day, 1th mo. 18ih. Cloudy and cool all day, with rain 
in the afternoon. The diarrhoea has left me, but I am very 
weak yet. Had a pot of mush for breakfast. Drew nothing 
but corn meal to-day ; they issued bacon to some of the de- 
tachments, but it did not get to us. Some of the men are try- 
ing to get up a petition to be sent to the United States, ask- 
ing its influence towards getting us released. 

Sd day, 1th mo. Idth. Cloudy and pleasant ; last night was 
very cold. Am getting over the diarrhoea again. Drew yes- 
terday's pork at nine this forenoon ; then got a breakfast of 
flapjacks, fried pork and gravy. There was a meeting held 
to-day in reference to the petition to our Government for our 
release. The committee appointed at yesterday's meeting re- 
ported. General Winder gives his hearty co-operation to the 



LIFE IN SOUTHERN PRISONS. 33 

movement, and suggests that six instead of three be sent to our 
Government with these petitions, which the meeting took steps 
to appoint. Last evening I got a pint of beans for five post- 
age stamps, and this morning got a dagger for five more. 

all day, 1th mo. 20ih. Was up soon after four this morn- 
ing. Cooked G. Hatfield a pot of gruel before roll-call ; got 
our own breakfast after roll-call. Washed a pair of drawers 
and stockings this morning. The rebels threw up some earth- 
works as if they expected to be attacked. They appear to be 
getting reinforcements here. The rumor is that the railroad 
between here and Macon is cut, and that they are expecting a 
raid by our cavalry, and that Atlanta is ours. 

bth day, 1th mo. 2lsL Got breakfast after roll-call— had 
"corn dodgers" and gravy. Drew meal and molasses; got 
wood for three days. Traded a ration of pork for twenty-five 
cents worth of wood, and traded a ration of pork for tobacco 
for Griffith. The rebels seem to be busy fortifying outside. 
They put a few prisoners in every day. 

Qth day, 1th mo. 22J. Yery cloudy and hot. Lay in the 
house most all the time. Have contracted a cold. More pris- 
oners put in to-day. The rebels are still busy at their earth- 
works. They find out a tunnel every day and fill it up. Drew 
meat, salt and meal. 

1th day, 1th mo. 23d. I caught a bad cold last night, and 
suffered considerably all day from it. To-day the weather was 
rather cold. 

1st day, 1th mo. 2Uh. Last night was the coldest we have 
had for some time. My attack of bronchitis has extended far 
into the chest, and is going to bring on that terrible " army 
scourge" again. The day was very warm with a good breeze. 
Drew fresh beef and rice only. 

2d day, 1th mo. 2bth. Suffered last night very much with 
the cold. This night was the coldest yet. The diarrhcea has 
returned and is very bad. The day was warm with a good 



84 LIFE IN SOUTHERN PRISONS. 

breeze. Drew rice, raw bacon and no salt. I sold a ration of 
pork and bought two spoonsful of salt. 

Sd day, ^th mo. 2Gih. Was a pleasant day. Made corn 
meal gruel for breakfast and supper. Borrowed Clark's infantry 
tactics and read and slept all day. Drew meal, salt and 
bacon. 

4:ih day, lih mo, '^'Jlh. Was rather pleasant all day. Spent 
the day as yesterday and drew the same kind of rations. There 
are a great many rumors about our going to be paroled about 
the fifth or sixth of next month. There were over two hun- 
dred prisoners, mostly one hundred days' men, from the Shen- 
andoah valley, put in to-day. 

5th day, 1th mo, 2Sth. To-day is pretty warm. Eat no- 
thing but gruel and boiled rice. About two hundred prison- 
ers put in to-day from Sherman's army. Just as they were 
ready to enter, the rebels fired a shot across the camp. 

6th day, 1th mo. 2dlh. To-day some of the detachments 
drew molasses ; I traded a ration of pork for molasses for sup- 
per. Had gruel for breakfast, and boiled rice with the molas- 
ses for supper. To-day was warm, with a heavy shower in the 
evening. 

1th day, 1th mo. SOth. Was warm. I sold two rations of 
my meat for twenty-five cents worth of soap, and after roll-call, 
washed my red shirt. Sold a piece of meat, which Griffith and 
I had a dispute about, for five cents, and got him a chunk of 
tobacco. 

1st day, 1th mo. 31s/. Eat my breakfast and lay in the tent 
most all day. Am very weak from the diarrhoea which I can- 
not get rid of. J. Matthews is a prisoner here and has come 
to see me. 

2^ day, Sth mo. \st. Lay in the tent most of the time. 
Took a pill which " Gad " got for me to-night ; he got one 
opium and two other pills. 

3^ day, Sth mo. 2d. Took the rest of my medicine to-day, 



LIFE IN SOUTHERN PRISONS. 35 



and think I am better. They commenced taking the sick 
out and away this morning — suppose they have gone to Ma- 
con. During fifteen minutes this evening, we had the 
heaviest shower I ever saw ; Griffith was at the spring and 
got caught in it. Have been drawing rice, salt and bacon 
this week. 

ith day, Sth mo. M. They have been busy taking the sick 
away. Drew meal instead of rice to-day. Borrowed Roberts' 
Bible and read some. Took an opium pill last night which 
made me sleep until roll-call this morning. 

blh day, Sth mo, Uh. Was in the shade under the tent 
most of the day reading the Bible and getting to sleep. Help- 
ed to wash Dr. Buckley this evening ; he has been very sick 
all day. Drew pork and rice. Had no roll-call for the first 
time since we have been in the new stockade. Some sick were 
sent out to-day— rumor says they are being sent into our lines. 
To-day was a warm one. 

m day, Sth mo. Uh. Spent most of the time in the house. 
Dr. Buckley is some better ; we were going to carry him out. 
The sick of the first eleven detachments were taken out this 
afternoon . Drew fresh beef, salt and rice. The diarrhoea has 
left me again ; am pretty stout. Ate only^ rice soup. Occu- 
pied in reading the Bible to-day. 

>lthday, Sth mo. Uh. Was very hot; lay in the house, 
slept and read. Drew fresh beef, salt and a pint of meal. 

\st day, Sth mo. Wi. Lay in the tent most of the day, slept 
and read. Dr. Buckley still keeps poorly. 

U day, Sth mo. Sth. Had a heavy shower this afternoon 
Spent the day as I do most of them. Read almost through 
Deuteronomy to-day. Dr. Buckley is no better, but gets 
worse. Have been drawing fresh beef, meal and salt. We 
make soup. Reports are favorable to our being paroled, but 
as yet we know nothing certain about it. The Quartermaster 
came in yesterday, and told it around among us, that a parole 



36 LIFE IN. SOUTHERN PRISONS. 

or exchange was to take place soon, and they were going to 
commence in a few days. 

3^ day, 8th mo. dlh. Was cloudy until about four o'clock 
this afternoon, when there came up one of the heaviest showers 
of rain we have had since we came here ; it flooded the run 
and washed some of the stockade above and below, and moved 
it in several places. They fired off two guns as a signal and 
out came a large guard. Drew no rations to-day for our de- 
tachment ; they ceased to issue after getting up to the twen- 
tieth. Tried to sell my red shirt, but could not get more 
than half I asked for it, so I kept it. They have got the frame 
of a large barracks, large enough for a detachment, at the up- 
per end of the stockade. 

4thday,-8th mo. 10th. Rather warm. From 9 A. M. to 
3 P. M. had a very hard rain, which did not stop until mid- 
night. We got wet, the tent leaking very badly. Did not 
draw rations until this morning, when we got beans and half 
a ration of bread. This^vening drew half a ration of bread, 
salt, and a very small ration of beef. Had beef and bean soup 
for supper ; nothing to eat before of any account. I was de- 
tailed to draw rations. I carried up a hind quarter of beef 
Went and gave Dr. Buckley a sponge bath and washed his 
shirt in the run. 

5th day, Sth mo. llth. George Hatfield died last night or 
early this morning. Dr. Buckley is getting better. The 
" Rebs" have got the stockade almost repaired ; they are busy 
putting up a stockade outside of ours. They have some of our 
boys putting up barracks near our detachment. Had a heavy 
rain this afternoon. Did not get our rations until very late ; 
got fresh beef and half a ration of bread, but no salt. 

&h day, Sth mo. I2th. Spent the day reading the Bible and 
sleeping ; it was warm and pleasant. Gave Buckley a sponge 
bath this afternoon ; he is improving rapidly. Have had roll- 
call the last two mornings. Drew a little meal, a ration of 



LIFE IN SOUTHERN PRISONS. 3t 

beans, a small ration of beef and a half ration of salt. They 
are cutting down the rations. The committee of six which 
were to go into our lines with the petition, went last First 

day. 

lih day, Sth mo, 13//i. Was cloudy most of the time and 
pleasant. After roll-call, got five others to help to carry Dr. 
Buckley to the gate to sick call. The person that Gad sent to 
attend to his man, ran off, and we did not get him out. Dr. 
Buckley fainted twice in our hands ; carried him part of the 
way, and helped him the rest. I washed him this evening- 
he is better. I am busy reading the Bible. There are many 
rumors about the parole commencing on the 15th. Drew a 
ration of beans and half a ration of bread and fresh beef. We 
ate only two pots of bean soup. Sold a ration of beef for ten 
cents and bought two spoonsful of salt. 

1st day, m mo. Uth. Was a very hot day. Buckley was 
much worse during the day, but seemed to get better in the 
evening. I wrote a note to Dr. White, on the outside, asking 
relief for Buckley, and took it to the Doctor outside, at Doc- 
tor's call. Some one told me to put it in the letter box, which 
I did, after consulting two Masons I had found ; one belongs 
to Ohio and the other is a sergeant in the ninety-eighth de- 
tachment. I washed Buckley this evening. Drew beans, half 
a ration of beef and bread, with a little salt. Ate bean soup 
for breakfast and rice soup for supper. Have the diarrhoea. 

2d day, Slh mo. Ibth. Spent the day as we did yesterday. 

3d day, Sth mo. l&h. Was very warm, like yesterday. No 
signs of a parole yet— rumors are all false about it. Have 
given Buckley a washing every day ; he seems to grow better. 

m day, Sth mo. Uth, The weather has been extremely 
warm. . Have been drawing half a ration of bread, fresh beef, 
salt and beans. I have quit eating beans. 

bth day, Sth mo. ISth. Was out and got prescribed for. 
After roll-call got six pills ; am very weak ; am busy reading 



38 LIFE IN SOUTHERN PRISONS. 

the Bible. Still give the Doctor a washing every day ; he 
continues to improve. 

m day, 8th mo. Idlh. Suffered very much with the diar- 
rhcea. Am getting weaker. Went to the Doctor's and got 
my medicine continued. Did not get any medicine to-day. 
Sold my ration of bread and Griffith's for twenty cents, and 
two and a half rations and one of my own for twenty-five cents 
which made me twenty cents in cash. Had a heavy rain this 
evening. 

lih day, Sth mo. 20lJi. Was very warm, with a heavy rain 
in the evening. Was so weak that I only got out of the tent 
four times. Buckley was worse. I was not able to bathe 
him to-day. 

1st, day, Sth mo. 21st. Was in the tent most of the day. 
Went to the run in the evening and took a bath ; gave Dr. 
Buckley a washing. Had some rain. The Doctor gave me his 
photograph. 

2d day, 5th mo. 22d. Very warm. Diarrhoea no better- 
am very weak— lay in the tent most of the day. Buckley is 
worse, and has a prospect of getting out to the hospital, 
through the influence of his friend Bickers. 

Sd day, Sth mo. 2^d. Drew rice, molasses and a little pork 
yesterday, and an old ration of beef, beans and bread, with a 
little salt to-day. Carried Buckley out of the gate at seven 
o'clock this morning ; got him out among the first, but could 
not get him in the hospital on account of too many being ad- 
mitted yesterday. 

ith day, Sth mo. 2Uh. About as hot as ever. Went to 
the Doctor's call and saw Bickers, but there was no chance for 
Buckley, except by his own surgeon. Have got no medicine 
for three days. Drew fresh beef, a mouthful of bacon, corn 
meal, beans and salt. Ate two rations of beans to-day, which 
is going to make me worse. Some of the commissioned offi- 
cers, who have been .passing off for privates, were taken out 



LIFE IN SOUTHERN PRISONS. 39 

to-day, it is said, to be exchanged. Rumors are favorable to a 
speedy parole. 

bth day, Sth mo. 2bth. Did not go to the Doctor's to-day. 
Diarrhoea something better. Lay in the house most of the 
day. Bathed Buckley, who is still very low. Drew one-half 
ration of bread, salt pork, boiled beef and rice ; they are go- 
ing to give us cooked rations now, and some other detach- 
ments raw ones. 

(jih day, Sth mo. 2ijth. Yery warm. Changed our sergeant 
of mess by putting out Warner and electing George Suson. 
Went out to the Doctor's and got prescriptions for Buckley, 
who has the scurvy. My complaint is almost well. The cook- 
ed rations agree with me very well. Drew one-half ration of 
bread and salt, about a pint of boiled beans, and a ration 
of molasses. Took a walk over to see Mathews this evening. 

lih day, Sth mo. 21th. Was out to the Doctor's call for 
Buckley. Spent the day in the old way. Drew some extra 
molasses this forenoon, and boiled rice, beef, pork and salt for 
our rations this evening. There was only a mouthful of bacon 
and the rice only half cooked. 

1st day, Sth mo. 2Sth. Was extremely warm. Spent the 

day as usual. 

M day, Sth mo. 2m. Was not well the fore-part of the 
day and did not get out to the Doctor's. Bepeated the vote 
again for Suson, which elected him, as before. Put Warner 
in for sergeant of detachment, in place of the sergeant-major, 
who went out on parole to take charge of ration wagons. 

^d day, Sth mo. SOth. No Doctor's call. Buckley was 
worse ; I bathed him and washed a shirt for him. 

Uh day, Sth mo. nist. Washed my drawers this forenoon, 
and lay about most of the day afterwards. Drew bread, boiled 
beans, beef, salt and a bit of bacon. Traded my beef for a 
ration of beans; ate my beans and pork for supper; traded 
Griffith's bread for tobacco. Was a warm day. 



40 LIFE IN SOUTHERN PRISONS. 

bth day, ^th mo. 1st. Was out to the Doctor's call — no 
mediciue — no prescription. Lay in the house most of the day 
reading the Bible — have got through Jeremiah. The news in 
the Macon papers is favorable to a speedy exchange. Buck- 
ley gets no better. Traded half my bread and beef for beans ; 
ate nothing but a ration and a half of beans for breakfast. 
Drew the same kind of rations except beans — rice only partly 
cooked. Last night was so cold that I could not sleep. 

&h day, M mo. 2d. Lay in the house — slept and read 
most all day. Drew the same rations as yesterday — got a 
piece of pork as large as my hst for a mess of thirty. 

"Jfhday, Mmo. dd. Was cloudy and pleasant to-day. I 
am rather bad yet. No news about the exchange to be relied 
on. Griffith has a lame back; complains of the rheumatism. 

1st day, 9M mo. 4th. I am very ill indeed ; lay quiet all 
day. 

Hd day, M mo. 5tk. Seemed to be the warmest day ; suf- 
fered terribly from the heat ; lay in the tent most all day ; am 
very weak. Drew bread, pork, a large ration of molasses, and 
boiled rice. 

Bd day, dth ino. ^(h. My disease is better. Lay in the 
tent most all day. Eighteen detachments were ordered to be 
ready to leave at any moment — commencing at the first, going 
up to the eighteenth. 

ith day, 9th mo. 1th. Lay in the tent most of the day and 
am better. They commenced at the first detachment at seven 
o'clock this morning and by night got as many as six, and gave 
orders up as high as eighteen to be ready to leave at a short 
notice. They ordered at first eighteen detachments to be 
ready, but could not find transportation for all to-day. They 
say they are ordered to Charleston to be exchanged. 

bth day, ^h mo. Sth. Lay in the house most of the day. 
Helped Dr. Buckley all I could. Drew beans, boiled beef, 
salt and corn meal. They send ofi' prisoners as fast as they 



LIFE IN SOUTHERN miKONS. 41 

can get transportation ; liavc not ^ot more; thiui twenty <](;- 
tachmcnts away yet ; tlicy took soine of tlie hi^'lier detacli- 
mcntK after getting up to tlie eigliteenth — seventy-nix to eighty. 
Mathews got off. 

CMiday, 0th mo. dlh. Wan extremely warm to-day. TFelpcMl 
to carry JJuci<ley up to the l^arraciis ; was liusy waiting on 
hira until near noon ; he is very ill ; at noon ho was admitted 
to the hospital ; I went outside the gate with him ; the rclxil 
sergeant would not allow me to stay out with him. The )>ar- 
racks were vacated and filled up with the sick of the detach- 
ments which have left. The l)rs. commenced and admitted 
large numbers into the hospital. I have the diarrhuui very 
bad. About two thousand more were taken away ; they ship 
them off as fast as they can. 

*llh day, Olh mo. \i)lh. Had a severe spell of chilis and 
fever last night ; being so bad the day Ijefore, was the cause 
of it; drank plenty of water, which soon stopped the (thills, 
and threw mc into a fever. Was so weak to-day, could hardly 
go about. About the same number as yestenhiy wen; sent 
off; they mostly started in the night. J)rew bread, boiled 
rice, molasses and salt. 

\Ht day, Wi mo. IMIi. This was a very warm day. There 
was not so many got away except this morning. About all 
the old prisoners arc gone. Yesterday evening, all from 19 
to 23 were ordered to bo ready. About three o'chx^k this 
afternoon, all from 2'> to .'j.'i were ordered to be ready. Mo 
sooner was the order given than the " boys" packed up and 
moved off to the gate. Each detacliment took u[) its i)osition, 
ready to go. Here we lay, anxiously waiting for the cars to 
come, which were expected at five o'clock, but they did not 
come. AVe lay down on the ground. Drew boiled rice this fore- 
noon. After getting to the gate, got boiled beef. I am somo 
better, but so weak and thin, J can just get along. (Griffith haH 
such a lame back, he cannot get along much Ijetter than I. 



1 42 LIFE IN SOUTHERN PRISONS. 

2d day, dth mo. 12th. We lay ready to go until almost 
five o'clock. Drew rice, molasses, and bread, for two days 
rations. I am very weak, hardly able to walk. At five the 
trains began to come in ; we moved out and got in the cars ; 
sixty to a car. About six o'clock they gave us two days ra- 
tions of corn bread and pork ; started about dusk and arrived 
at Macon about the middle of the night. 

Sd day, dth mo. ISth. Lay in the cars until daylight ; then 
started and got to Augusta by evening ; stopped there about 
two hours, then changed cars and started again about dusk. 

4lh day, 9th mo. lith. Kept on all night, going on the 
Columbia road, and came to a junction which went to Charles- 
ton ; and, at noon, came to another junction, one leading 
towards Wilmington, which we took, after changing cars, and 
started about five o'clock, and continued going on pretty 
steady all night. 

bth day, 9th mo. Ibth. Arrived at a village called Flor- 
ence, South Carolina, and encamped here. Arrived here about 
two o'clock last night ; lay in the cars until eleven o'clock to- 
day, then were moved out about a mile from the place. Clark, 
Joice, Griffith, and I, put up a snug tent of two blankets. 
The day, and, in fact, the. weather, has been very warm since 
we started ; we are almost worn out. 

Qth day, 9th mo. IQth. Slept very cold last night; have 
the diarrhoea very bad, and am so weak that I can hardly go. 
about ; did not get any rations until twelve o'clock at night, 
and then only a pint of meal and a little piece of pork. The 
rebel Captain called the roll this evening. The camp is di- 
vided into messes of one hundred, and detachments of three 
thousands. I am in mess sixth of our detachment. 

Ilh day, 9th mo. l^Uh. Was a very warm day ; I got no 
better ; am so weak, can hardly help myself. Last night was 
so cold I could not sleep until we took down the blankets and 
put them over us. Drew a pint of rice for two days' rations. 



LirE IN SOUTHERN PRISONS. 43 

lstd(ffy\ Uh mo. \m. Drew a pint of beans, pork and 
salt. Had roll call ; all that were sick and not able to go, 
were excused ; and, after roll call, were ordered to the hospi- 
tal. I was put on the sick list. About noon we were taken 
outside of the camp for the purpose of drawing better rations. 
In the evening drew a good ration of sweet potatoes, a leaf of 
cabbage, a little beef and salt. I have Griffith's overcoat, 
which is the only shelter I have. Close, Roberts, Clark and 
I are together. 

M day, ^th mo. 19th. Lay under our tree, and sit by the 
•fire all night ; it was very cool. Drew same rations as yes- 
terday, excepting the cabbage ; got a square inch of pumpkin. 
About noon got orders to move to the opposite side of the 
camp, when the most able men, the nurses, and those who 
wished, were sent back to camp ; the rest put in detachments 
of one hundred. I am in the seventh detachment ; are in the 
woods, with water handy. 

Sd daij, dlh mo. 20lh. Had a cool night of it last night ; 
lay in the woods until five o'clock ; then were taken up to the 
shedding, in the field. Clark and I went back to the woods to 
sleep. It was cloudy all night, and in the evening rained. 
Drew same rations as yesterday. 

4:th day, dlh mo. 21 st. Lay under our tree all night and 
were up at daylight ; had a cold night of it. The nurses put 
up some boughs over poles for us, but they made poor shel- 
ter, excepting from the sun. We were worse off here except- 
ing the rations. Drew a sweet potato, five spoonfuls of flour, 
the same of rice, and half a tablespoonful of salt. My diar- 
rhoea is almost checked, but my strength is poor yet. 

blh day, Wi m.o. 22d. It rained last night, but I lay in my 
overcoat and kept dry. Drew the same rations of flour as yes- 
terday, two spoonsful of corn meal, rice, salt and a mouthful of 
bacon. Make gruel and rice soup mostly for Close and I. Am 
decidedly better to-day. Had a good deal of rain this evening. 



44 LIFE IN SOUTHERN PRISONS. 

Qih day, M mo. 23c?. Was cloudy all day ; rained in the 
fore-part of the night ; made out to sleep a little. Got some 
dead pine leaves and spread on the ground for my bed. My 
overcoat kept me from getting "wringing wet." Got every- 
thing dry to day, and went to the creek and took a bath. All 
who were able were sent to the creek to bathe, and before they 
got back the doctor sent three hundred and fifty of them back 
to camp. I cannot gain strength. Drew hominy, rice, flour 
and a pinch of salt. 

1th day, ^th mo. 2ith. Lay about all day and cooked. 
Had a heavy rain in the evening. Drew corn meal, rice, fresh 
beef, and a pineh of salt. My old complaint is back on me as 
bad as ever. 

1st day, ^th mo. 25ih. Was a clear, warm and windy day. 
My diarrhoea gets no better. Drew fresh beef, a good ration, 
and salt only. Made soup of rice. I cook for Close. All 
who could walk were sent back to camp ; I was left out, being 
able to walk only a little. Clark was sent in. Had a cool night. 

2d day, Wi mo. 26^7i. Last night was very cold — cold 
enough for frost. To-day was fine and clear, but rather cool. 
Am very weak and prostrated. There are some rumors of an 
exchange going on. 

3ci day, dth mo. 21th. Was warm ; last night was cold. 
All excepting the worst cases were sent to camp. I got some 
medicine this evening — a pill of camphor and opium ; some 
with dysentery got oleum ricini and spirits of turpentine. The 
scurvy cases, a decoction of Sumac berries, which was pleas- 
ant to drink. Some kind citizens sent some boiled sweet po- 
tatoes, ham, cabbage and bread for the worst cases. The 
steward, who seems to notice me considerably, gave Close and 
I some of all the above named articles, so we wanted no sup- 
per. Drew corn meal, fresh beef and salt. I cooked beans 
until eleven o'clock at night for our breakfast. Am no better,, 
but have a good appetite. 



LIFE IN SOtTHERN PRISONS. 45 

Aih day, 9th mo. 2Slh. Was very warm all day ; spent the 
day as yesterday. Drew meal, beans and salt. 

5th day, 9th mo. 29lh. Was a warm night ; I slept well. 
My complaint is no better ; am very weak. Drew meal, rice, 
salt, molasses, and some sweet potatoes ; the molasses is of the 
worst sorghum. They give us medicine once per day. 

&h day, 9th mo. SOth. Spent the day laying in my shed. 
My disease is on the mend. Got to the creek and took a bath 
this forenoon. Drew fresh beef, rice, meal and salt. Got 
medicine to-day. The men die pretty fast. 

'\th day, lOih mo. 1st. Lay quiet as possible. Drew one- 
half of a large hard tack, eight spoonsful of molasses, and salt. 

1st day, 10th mo. 2d. Was busy pottering around all day. 
Drew one half of hard tack, eight spoonsful of molasses, salt, 
corn meal and flour. The men are dying off very fast all around 
me. Griffith was put in the third Ward. Got my cap and gum 
blanket. 

2d day, 10th mo. Sd. Spent the day as yesterday. Had 
some rain in the evening. Drew fresh beef, beans, flour and 
salt. My health is better. 

3d day, lOih mo. ith. Lay quiet ; my complaint is some 
better. Drew molasses, rice, flour and salt — a good ration. 

ith day, lOih mo. 5th. Lay quiet. Took a dose of olium 
vicini last night. Did not eat much to day ; am getting stout- 
er. Drew meal, beans and salt. Was a warm and pleasant 
day. Edward Roberts died in the afternoon. I went down 
to see how he was, and found him only breathing. 

5th day, 10th mo. 6ih. Am getting better; walked around 
a good deal to-day. Sold my knife for six dollars in Confed- 
erate money ; also, five pearl buttons for fifty cents. Partly 
cooked some beans after ten o'clock this evening. Had a 
heavy rain. 

Qth day, 10th mo. ^th. Am better to-day than I have been 
for some time. Bought seven sweet potatoes for fifty cents 



46 • LIFE IN SOUTHERN PRISONS. 

and ate the half of them. Drew fifteen small crackers, sent to 
us by the Sanitary Commission, and some flour and salt. 
Wrote a letter for Close to his father ; he has given up all hopes 
of recovery. 

^ih day, lOih mo. 8th. Was clear and cold all day. Drew 
fifteen small crackers, a small spoonful of beef tea, some con- 
densed milk and coffee. Two rations made only a pint of cof- 
fee ; I gave all to Close — he seemed to relish them. Shirts 
and drawers were issued to those who needed them ; they were 
sent by the Sanitary Commission. I feel better and stouter 
to-day, and made out to draw three buckets of water and carry 
it. Sold a knife for Close for one dollar, and bought one dol- 
lar's worth of sweet potatoes. 

1st day, lOih mo. ^th. Was very cool all day. Drew the 
usual rations. The men are dying off very fast. 

2d day, 10th mo. lOih. Last night it was so cold that it 
was as much as I could do to keep from freezing. It was clear 
and cool all day. Drew thin half-blankets for those who had 
none, also socks, hats and drawers, from the Sanitary Com- 
mi^ssion. 

3^ day, 10th mo. 11th. Spent the day, which was very cool, 
as yesterday. Drew same kind of rations. 

4:th day, 10th mo. 12th. Was warm to-day. Have been 
troubled with a sore mouth, arising from a bad cold. Medi- 
cine does no good. Drew medicine, got drowsy and went 
to bed. 

5th day, 10th mo. ISth. Have had a worse attack of that 
" terrible scourge" to-day than I have had for a long time. 
Took medicine to no purpose. 

Qth day, 10th mo. lith. I am no better; worse if anything. 
Drew *' Sanitary stuff " for the worst cases, and fresh beef, flour 
and corn meal. 

1//i day, 10th mo. Ibth. Was a fine day ; lay quiet most of 
the time. Sanitary stuff for Close, and the worst cases, were 



LIFE IN SOUTHERN PRISONS. 4T 

issued. Drew some crackers with a ration. Put Close's and 
mine in soup. My complaint seems to be better. 

1st day, lOih mo. IQth. A pleasant day. Close about the 
same. Drank concentrated coffee and sconce. I feel better, 
but cannot get my disease checked. Took three cathartic 
pills this evening. Drew no rations. 

2d day, 10th mo. 11 th. Was the same kind of day to me as 
others. Close was worse all day ; the ward-master got him 
an egg, some beef tea and coffee, which he ate and yet seemed 
hungry. We think he cannot live over night. 

M day, 10th mo. 18th. Covered Close up with all the blan- 
kets, and got permission to sleep by the nurse's fire. The 
night was cool. Close kept sinking until four o'clock this 
morning, when he died. It looks like rain again this morning. 
Burns, one of the nurses, and I, put up a tent of my gum blan- 
ket and one of the new blankets. I am not much better. 

4th day, 10th mo. Idth. Warm and pleasant; was busy 
most of the time, but did not do much. The Sanitary Com- 
mission has been sending clothing here, but it is rather light 
stuff, such as red pants, gray drawers, and red and gray shirts. 

bth day, 10th mo. 20th. Lay as quiet as possible all day. 
Am better. 

Qth day, 10th mo. 21st. Lay as quiet as possible all day. 
The nights are very cool. 

1th day, 10th mo. 22d. Last night was very cool, but I 
got a good night's rest. To-day was blustery and cold, but 
clear. At ten o'clock the hospital was moved inside of the 
stockade, and to the northwest corner of it. All who were 
able to walk were sent ahead, and after getting in were taken 
across the creek and put in charge of a corporal. I took a 
walk around and bought two Confederate dollars worth of 
sweet potatoes for my dinner ; traded all my beans for salt ; 
then took a walk to the hospital grounds, and found our stew- 
ard and nurses, who told me to bring my things. Burns and 



48 LIFE IN SOUTHERN PRISONS. 

I put up a teut as before and prepared for a cold niglit ; ate 
a little boiled rice. The steward gave me four spoonsful of 
canned tomatoes and a biscuit for my supper. 

1st day, llth mo. 2od. Was cool; lay about, and kept 
warm in the sun and tent, 

2d day, lO^/i mo. ^Mh. Lay in the tent most of the time. 
A Mason, ward-master, came to see me. A rebel Lieutenant 
was looking around for us. The backs of my hands are so 
badly chapped I can hardly do any thing. 



It appears that from inability or some other cause, Charles 
Smedley was unable to give us any further account of his trials 
and sufferings; and that the 24th of the 10th month, 1864, 
was the last day he was able to write. I have deemed it ap- 
propriate to add the following account of his last days, (ob- 
tained from Richard Dobbins, who was the steward or ward- 
master, referred to by Charles, and who attended him until 
near his last moments,) as a finale to his own history, as given 
in his diary. Joel Smedley. 

Having had some acquaintance with Charles Smedley — the 
writer of the foregoing diary — for some time previous to his 
decease, at the request of his father, I shall endeavor to give 
some account, from memory, of the last days of his existence ; 
also, a brief account of my own experience while in the hands 
of the rebels, as their prisoner. 

My name is Richard Dobbins, a native of western Missouri. 
I belonged to Company H, 18th Regiment Iowa Volunteers — 
was taken prisoner at the battle of Missionary Ridge, Nov. 
25th, 1863 — was sent to the Libby prison, in Richmond, Ya., 
where I remained a short time- Then I was sent to Belle 
Island, where I suffered very much from cold and starvation. 
I often thought of death, which stared me in the face daily ; 
though I was not worse off than the majority of the other 



LIFE IN SOUTHERN PRISONS. 49 

prisoners. I remained there until the 16th of March, 1864, 
when I was sent with others to Andersonyille, in Georgia, where 
I suflfered very much ; not so much from starvation as on the 
island, but from the rain and cold ; also from smoke, from the 
burning of pine wood. We were of course thinly clad, some 
destitute of blankets, some of shoes, some of pants, while 
others had scarcely any clothes on them. The majority of us 
had been searched and robbed of all our good clothing, mo- 
ney, watches,boots, &c. It seemed as though we could expect 
nothing but death to relieve us from our sufferings. Over 
twelve thousand of the prisoners died at -Indersonville. 

On the 8th of September, I, with others, was sent from 
there, and in due time arrived at Savannah. From thence we 
were moved to Charleston, South Carolina, where the rebels 
made a kind of military display of us, by marching us through 
the city, and ^putting us in the prison, near the officers who 
were under the fire of our own guns. 

We remained there only ©ne day and night, and then were 
marched to the rear of the city on the race-course track, where 
we staid but a short time ; then I was sent to Florence, South 
Carolina. Shortly after I arrived there, I was taken out on 
"parole of honor," and sent to the Federal hospital by the 
rebel surgeons, as master of one of the wards there. 

It was there I became acquainted with Corporal Charles 
Smedley, of Company G, Ninetieth Regiment Pennsylvania 
Volunteers, (although I had frequently seen him at sick call, 
while at Andersonville, but did not make his acquaintance,) 
who was a patient in my ward. 

A little incident occurred there that manifested his kind and 
generous disposition, which attracted my attention, and caused 
me to feel a deep interest in his welfare. I had prepared some 
food for him, the best I could get, and took it to him. He 
immediately gave it all to David Close, (who was a fellow prison- 
er with him, and very sick,) saying, " you need it worse than I." 



50 LIFE IN SOUTHERN PRISONS. 

When he first came to the hospital, he complained of chronic 
diarrhoea and dysentery. After a few days the dysentery left 
him, though he was very weak. He kindly waited on David 
Close, and seemed willing to do all he could for him, as he 
considered Close worse than himself. I think he hurt himself 
Iby over exertion. He waited on Close all he could, until he 
died, which appears to have occurred on the morning of the 
18th of October. 

A few days after the death of David Close, the hospital was 
moved inside of the stockade, to the North-west corner. 
Charles, with others, walked in. In the evening Charles came 
over to the hospital. We told him he had better get his 
things, and come back to the hospital and stay, which he did. 
Shortly after 'he came, his hands became very sore, appa- 
rently from a dropsical affection, and were bandaged up. 

His walk, from the hospital to the inside of the stockade, 
appeared to have been too much for his strength. From that 
day he became worse, though he was able to walk about, almost 
ver y day, until the day before he died. 

He gave me his watch some time before, saying, " he might 
drop olT any time," and requested me, if it should so happen, 
to take it home to his father, and tell him all, which I prom- 
ised him I would do, if it was possible. He seemed cheerful, 
and manifested no fears of death. In fact, he always appeared 
cheerful and in good spirits, and seemed confident that he 
would get home again. He certainly had a very hard and try- 
ing time while in prison, but was seldom heard to complain or 
find fault. He was a good soldier and a true patriot. 

He died on the night of the 16th of November, 1864. He 
was washed, shaved, and clean clothes put on him, but no 
coffin was provided for him. His body was wrapped in a sheet 
and buried in the burial ground, a short distance north of 
north-west of the stockade. The number of his grave was 
probably recorded at the rebel headquarters, as is their cus- 



tilFE IN SOUTHERN PRISONS. 51 

torn, but I do not know the number. I tried to get the num- 
ber, but could not, for reasons best known to the rebel officers. 

After his death I secured his Bible, diary, a small book iu 
which he kept the photographs of his family, and a few little 
tools, with which he used to while away the time iu making 
bone rings, &c.; all of which, with the watch, according to my 
promise, I have succeeded in delivering to his father. 

I was paroled on the 29th of November, 1864, and sent from 
Florence, South Carolina, to Savannah, Georgia, where I was 
put on shipboard, and brought, with many others, to Annapo- 
lis, Maryland, where I arrived on the morning of the 5th of 
December, and immediately informed Charles Smedley's father 
of his sad fate. 

Richard Dobbins, 
Co. H, nth Regiment Iowa Volunteers 



MARCH TO AND BATTLE OF GETTYSBUKG. 

SIXTH AND SEVENTH MONTHS, 1863. 



On the march into Maryland, 5ih day, Uh mo. 2blh, 1863, 
were called in from picket about nine o'clock; went to 
the old camp, and joined, or foHowed the division, which has 
been on the march for some time. Should have remained on 
picket, as the column passed the right of the picket line. Fol- 
lowed the road to Edward's Ferry, where we crossed on one 
of the pontoons ; went on, and passed through Poolsville, and 
then on to Barnesville, where we encamped in a clump of thick, 
low pines, on the north side of the town ; had a difficult time 
getting into the woods. It had been raining all day, and still 
continued ; Jos. and I put up Clay's tent, and took Chap- 
lin in with us ; we were almost "wringing wet" from per- 
spiration and rain. Had a hard march, and were almost 
worn out. 

&h day, Uh mo. 26//i. Were called up at daylight by the 
Adjutant, but did not get out until all the other regiments 
were off. We got ready, and were off by five o'clock, and went 
on as fast as possible, but did not catch up to the brigade un- 
til we had gone several miles. All of our things were wet, 
which made our load heavy to carry. We crossed the Monoc- 
acy river, went through Adamstown, and came to Jefferson- 
ville, where we took up our camp for the night. I gave out 
about the middle of the day, and fell down ; got a pass from 
the Captain, signed by the Doctor, as I could not keep up, 
and took my time ; got to within a mile of Jeflfersonville by 
the time the division halted. Made some coffee, and went to 



LIFE IN SOUTHERN PRISONS. 53 

a cherry tree and got some cherries, which was the most I had 
to eat to-day. We put up our tent, and went to a stack of 
straw and got an armful for our bed ; took the sergeant in 

with us. It rained some all night ; our clothes were very wet 

could almost wring them. 

Ilh day, Qlh mo. 21th. The bugle sounded about four 
o'clock, we got up about five, and were packed up by eight. 
Went to a house near by to get water and wash ; then went to 
a cherry tree and got some cherries. Made some tea for 
breakfast. By half past eight were in line, and started. Went 
through the town, and followed the road leading towards Mid- 
dletown. We made an easy march of it, a distance of eight 
miles. The roads were hard, which made the marching good. 
We got to Middletown by one o'clock, passed on through to- 
v/ards the mountains, and encamped. We appear to be in a 
valley. All^ of the First and Twelfth Corps are encamped 
around here. The country we have passed through the last 
two days is of the best farming land. 

1st day, Qlh mo. 2Sth. Last night we got one day's rations 
of sugar, coffee, crackers, beef and pork. The Adjutant said 
we would be likely to move at three o'clock this morning. 
Had inspection of arms and accoutrements about twelve ; at 
one I was out on guard ; about two the bugle sounded to pack 
up, and at three the Corps was off. The guards acted as rear 
guards. Took the Frederick City pike, and got within a mile 
of the city by night, when the Corps encamped. The rear 
guard had to go on guard on arriving. 

2d day, Gih mo. 29//t. The bugles began to sound the re- 
veille about three o'clock. The third relief went oh at four, 
when the bugle sounded ''pack up;" by five the Corps was 
off. The sergeant of the third relief took charge of us, and wc 
staid behind to get breakfast. I took three hard-tacks and a 
piece of pork and ate them on post for my breakfast. Our 
camp is in a meadoWj with a fine run of water in it. We 



54 LIFE IN SOUTHERN PRISONS. 

passed over a very mountainous country yesterday, but very 
beautiful. The marching was easy, on good pike; weather 
cloudy and misty. We soon started, in charge of the sergeant, 
who had a few lines from the officer of the day. When we 
came to the pike, we joined the middle of the First Division, 
which was in the rear. After going one-fourth of a mile, the 
road branched off, one leading towards Frederick City and the 
other to Pennsylvania. We followed on, and caught up to the 
Second Brigade by noon. Passed the Second and Fifth Mary- 
land Batallions. Had very muddy roads, the mist turning 
into rain at times. Followed a pike leading towards Hagers- 
town ; passed through as far as Cotocton Furnace, halted half 
an hour, after going three or four miles past the furnace, and 
ate our little dinner. After the half-hour was up the column 
started. I joined the regiment, and kept with it past Mechan- 
icstown, when the roads were so muddy and wet I could no 
more than keep up. We followed the pike, passing through 
Emmettsburg, amid the waving of flags and handkerchiefs by 
the ladies. After going one-half a mile past the town, we en- 
camped in a field. 

3d day, ^th mo. SOth. Slept pretty well — it rained some in 
the night. Got up at five o'clock, and started at eight ; went 
back through the town, then across the Pennsylvania line, and 
halted and encamped. We met the Eleventh Corps coming 
through Emmettsburg, going the road we came. Just before 
we started, an old gentleman and lady came into camp, bring- 
ing bread, butter, biscuits and doughnuts, and gave them to 
us, saying, " poor fellows, we'll give you all we have, if you 
will drive the rebels off, and hope you'll not get killed." As 
soon as we crossed the line, we gave nine cheers. After stop- 
ping, we were told to put up our tents. My feet are very sore 
and blistered. 

Uh day, *lth mo, Ist. Sergeant and I slept together, the 
other mate was on guard. Got up at five. Had fresh beef 



LIFE IN SOUTHERN PRISONS. 55 

for breakfast. The bugle sounded "pack up," and about 
seven o'clock we started on the road towards Gettysburg ; at 
nine were within three miles of Gettysburg; halted to rest; 
heard something like cannonading ahead. About the middle 
of the day got to Gettysburg, and halted. There was pretty 
sharp fighting to the left and ahead of us. We have halted in 
a piece of woods ; can see the firing plainly, and may soon be 
in it. After stopping for half an hour, we advanced by the 
left of the town, and halted a few minutes, then went on and 
formed in line of battle. I threw away everything but a few 
envelopes and paper, which I put in my note book. We first 
threw out skirmishers, and after manoiuvering around for some 
time, got into the thickest of the fight. I could not get my 
musket to work right, but fired something like twenty rounds. 
After near an hour's hard fighting, we were compelled to fall 
back ; and, after manceuvering, our brigade went up to the top 
of a hill and supported a battery, which did good service. 
After near an hour, were compelled to fall back to the town. 
The rebels had flanked us. We lost a great many, the most 
when we fell back the first time. A bullet grazed the right 
side of my neck, and another my right hip. We retreated 
through the town in great confusion, and all the time the rebels 
were shelling it, and some shooting from the houses. We got 
into some kind of order after getting out of the town, and by 
sundown, what was left of us, are in line of battle. Sent out 
skirmishers. When we were first under fire, a piece of shell 
struck the ground between Captain and I, throwing the sand 
in our faces. The whole number of killed and wounded of the 
Ninetieth Regiment is near fifty — of our company four or five 
wounded. 

5ih day, 1th mo. 2d. Slept last night behind the stacks, on 
two rails, under my gum blanket. All was quiet. Captain 
gave me five crackers and some coffee for my breakfast. There 
is some firing out among the pickets, and skirmishing going 



66 LIFE IN SOUTHERN PRISONS. 

on all the time. Several other Corps came up yesterday and 
last night ; we are stronger now. The Eleventh, Twelfth 
and Third Corps are here, that I know of, besides our own. 
Ours and the Eleventh appear to be the only forces engaged. 
At twelve o'clock all was quiet. All the forenoon there was 
firing among the skirmishers, and some artillery firing, and a 
great deal of manceuvering in the different parts of the army. 
Large numbers of the enemy came over and gave themselves 
up, and we took some prisoners. The great mistake yesterday was 
in not having reinforcements near at hand. To-day we are very 
strong, but as yet nothing has been done. General Reynolds 
was killed yesterday. About three o'clock the cannonading 
opened on the left, and then all along the line. In less than 
an hour the musketry opened on the left, and kept up a con- 
tinued fire until dark. We (the First Corps) were supporting 
batteries, in the centre, for the first hour or so ; then we were 
taken more to the right, where most of the Corps seemed to be ; 
here we were for more than an hour ; we lay close to the ground 
to get out of the way of shells. About seven o'clock we were 
taken to near the extreme left, formed in line and advanced 
some distance, then halted and sent out skirmishers, (twenty 
from our Regiment.) By this time, except the artillery, all 
was quiet; but occasional firing among the skirmishers. While 
laying here, I went back with canteens to get water, and when 
I returned, found the Brigade moving towards the right. We 
held our ground all day, and on the left, where the fight was 
the hottest, we drove the enemy, taking a large number of 
prisoners. Large numbers of dead and wounded lay all over 
the field. One of our skirmishers came to a man with both legs 
shot off, who gave him his watch, and offered him five dollars to 
shoot him. Our Captain came across the rebel General Barks- 
dale, who was mortally wounded. We were put into different 
positions during the night, and at last [halted along a road run- 
ning towards the south end of the town, behind a stone fence. 



LIFE IN SOUTHERN PRISONS. 51 

&h day, 1th mo. Bd. The battle opened with the skirmish- 
ers on the left and cannonading all along our lines, at daylight. 
The batteries behind us shot over our heads. The musketry 
was sharp on the right. We were first taken from the position 
we occupied last night to the rear of the battery near the Cem- 
etery, where we remained for half an hour ; then were moved 
to the right a little more, where we lay behind the batteries 
until near eleven o'clock. The firing was very hot on all 
sides — sharp musketry on the right. About eleven the rebels 
concentrated their fire on the centre, when we formed in line, 
and under a heavy fire of shot and shell, moved to the right, 
or north of the Cemetery, and lay in front of the battery. 
Here the fire was very hot, the rebels having batteries playing 
on us from all sides ; many of our men were struck by the 
shells ; we lay flat and escaped many bullets, &c., from the 
shirmishers and sharpshooters. The sun came out very warm 
and many of our men were sun-struck. We lay here some 
three hours. The First Division of the Eleventh Corps was in 
front, all along the road. About three o'clock we had to get 
up, under the heaviest fire I ever saw, and form in line of bat- 
tle behind some batteries in the Cemetery. Just as we started. 
Colonel Coulter, of the Eleventh Corps, who had command of 
the First Brigade, was struck in the arm by a sharpshooter ; 
Colonel Lyle took his place, and Major Sellers took command 
of the Ninetieth Regiment. We were taken towards the left 
of the centre and put in the front line of battle. Here Gene- 
ral Hayes rode along the lines with a rebel battle flag. We 
advanced to within one hundred yards of the road, and formed 
in line, and sent out a large force of skirmishers. As we lay 
here, we had the fire of the rebel sharpshooters and skirmish- 
ers in our front, and a large Whitworth gun, which the rebels 
had planted on our flank, over two miles ofi", which was constantly 
letting the missiles fly directly over or near us. Four fell near 
the right of our line, but did no damage. We put up a few 



5^8 LIFE IN SOUTHERN PRISONJS. 

rails and lay as low as possible. About seven o'clock in the 
evening, all of the Ninetieth who were not skirmishing, had to 
support a company of sharpshooters ; I was among them ; we 
went to the road and lay behind the bank until dark, and Ihen 
came in, carrying Miller with us in a blanket to the hospital ; 
then went back to the line, and made a strong barricade of 
rails and stones, three feet high, where we lay all night. All 
have run out of rations. This has been a warm day all 
around. We still hold the field. General Longstreet was 
wounded and is in our hands. Just as we came here, there 
had been a charge made in front of us, which drove the rebels. 
Large numbers came into our lines, holding up their hands, 
hats, and white rags. 

1th day, 1th mo. Uh. Six o'clock A. M. Still hold our 
position. All is quiet except the skirmishing. Had rations 
of pork, crackers, sugar and coffee. Night. We lay in the 
position we took up last. This morning we made a barricade 
strong enough to turn bullets. This evening some of us were 
put on detail for burying the dead, but when we got out to 
where we were ordered, found that we were not wanted. We 
took a look at the large numbers of wounded prisoners in the 
barns and the field, southeast of the Cemetery, which was cov- 
ered with everything almost belonging to a soldier. Most of 
the dead have been buried. All day there were details sent 
out to gather up muskets, cartridge boxes, &c. There was no 
fighting, except amongst the skirmishers and pickets, all day, 
but we did not know how soon we might be called on. I tried 
to get liberty to go and look for Wheaton, who was wounded, 
but could not. The news is this evening that the rebels have 
left. We had a very heavy rain this afternoon. Got rations 
of pork, crackers, coffee and sugar, for four days, this evening. 

\st day, 1th mo. Uh. Had a hard night last night; made 
a bed on three rails, with gum blanket for cover ; it rained 
very hard all night. Soon after we got to bed, orders came 



LIFE IN SOUTHERN PRISONS. 59 

for every man to have his accoutrements on, and gun by his 
side. About three o'clock there was a general alarm along 
our lines ; we were up and in our places in a moment, but af- 
ter waiting half an hour, when all was quiet, General Baxter 
said we might go to bed again. The alarm was false. I tried 
again to get liberty to look for Wheaton, but could not. We 
were sent out to gather up the dead and wounded rebels who 
lay in front of us. They could not be got off any earlier on 
account of the sharpshooters. "We went out this morning to 
look at the field where we had not been before ; it was a hor- 
rible sight, the ground being literally strewed with dead and 
a few wounded. The dead were so putrified that it would be 
difficult for a friend to recognize one. The mail came in this 
morning; received letters and sent some home. About nine 
o'clock we were taken out to relieve the Sixth Corps, which 
had been stationed to the left one-fourth of a mile, behind some 
rifle-pits. We remained until sundown, when we were moved 
farther to the front, and encamped for the night. This after- 
noon I went up to see some who were in Company B, Ninety- 
ninth Kegiment, which was encamped farther up towards the 
left. Saw a citizen from Lancaster. There are a great many 
citizens on the field. This has been a cloudy, dull, damp 
day. 

2d day, ^tJi mo. Qth. Moved from near the left of the bat- 
tle-field this morning, and encamped withhi a mile of Emmetts- 
burg ; was put on guard. This has been a damp day, and the 
ground is very muddy. 

dd day, *lth mo. lih. We were called up early this morning, 
and started on the Frederick City pike ; went through Em- 
mettsburg. Instead of going to Frederick City, took a cut 
across the mountains, and got within six miles of Middletown, 
and encamped in the mountains near Belmont. This was one 
of the hardest marches we have had yet ; distance, twenty-two 
miles. The mountains were so steep and the roads so muddy. 



60 LIFE IN SOUTHERN PRISONS. 

4ith day, 1th mo. Sth. Were called up at four o'clock, or- 
dered to pack up, and get in line immediately, which we did, 
and were on the road. We took the direct road to, and went 
through Middletown, and encamped half a mile north of the 
town. We were almost worn out by the time we got to camp. 
It rains most of the time, making the roads muddy and travel- 
ing difficult. At two o'clock we had orders to move, and by 
half-past two were off. Took the Hagerstown pike and fol- 
lowed it partly over the mountain ; then turned to the left, and 
up a high mountain, and formed in line of battle along the 
road at sundown. After getting supper we built breastworks 
until dark. Part of the Eleventh Corps is here with us. Met 
large numbers of cavalry. Most of the army is here. The 
rebels are not far off. 

5ih day, 1th mo. ^th. Were up at daylight and got our 
breakfast ; then all hands went to work and put up our breast- 
works near three feet high. By six heard something like skir- 
mishing in front of us, and a band playing. By seven o'clock 
we were under arms. Yesterday afternoon we heard some 
cannonading, which, we were told, was our cavalry and the 
rebel cavalry, with some artillery. We have a strong stone 
wall before us. We lay all day behind our works. All the 
rest of the army, or nearly so, has gone by ; we, the First 
Corps, are in the rear and will not go until morning. 



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